Long or Short shaft

[crobar]

The distance from the top of the transom (where I will mount the kicker), to the bottom lowest point on the v-hull is 25.5".
If I'm not mistaken I can either mount an extra long shaft motor (27") directly on the transom or I can install an adjustable kicker mount and use a short shaft kicker. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions (pros/cons) as to which way might be best given there is a choice.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Long or Short shaft

Are you measuring along the rake/angle of the transom, or straight down to the keel from the top of the transom? Makes a difference...always measure the straight down distance.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Long or Short shaft

However you measure and whatever you do, when finished the prop has to be below the hull in order to operate properly. It has to be in the "slipstream" to provide thrust and move the boat.

Mark

 

[crobar]

Re: Long or Short shaft

I am measuring straight down from the top of the transom to the bottom of the v-hull. The transom is dropped down in the center area where the main outboard is mounted. There is not enough room in the dropped area for a kicker so I am going to have to mount the kicker at the upper left top of the transom.
I appreciate all of your help. The boat dealers around here have been shut down for the holidays and the Crestliner dealer is shut down for two more weeks.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Long or Short shaft

If you try to mount a short shaft it may be in danger being washed over by wave action back wash etc not to mention hard to reach.Ac 20" shaft may work better.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Long or Short shaft

You didn't mention the type of boat, or how you plan to use the kicker, but a long shaft (or even XL) is what you need. Longer isn't an issue, too short is.

 

[crobar]

Re: Long or Short shaft

My appologies on lack of detail. The boat is a 2009 Crestliner Super Hawk 1900. The kicker will be used for trolling only. The longer shaft seems to make sense. Another thought just occured to me that electric trim
might help keep me from going overboard. I did that a few years ago when I was putting a friends kicker down in rough water.

 

[crobar]

Re: Long or Short shaft

Thanks for your help. In summary I ended up with a 20" shaft which puts the prop almost completely below the hull. Once I started referencing the water line instead of the bottom of the hull it became obvious which shaft length I needed. It was a relief to not have to use a motor mount bracket.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Long or Short shaft

Sounds like you have a winner and after reading/seeing Boatists inputs in the boat section not mounting the kicker on a bracket may be beneficial in surviving large following seas. You might go over there (the first section in the boat section of the forums) and read/see through his might fine post.

Mark

 

[crobar]

Re: Long or Short shaft

Mark - I'm still new at navigating around in this forum and can't seem to find the thread or post you are referring to.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Long or Short shaft

Boat discussion forums (first on the forum list), page 2, "Kicker motor good idea?"

 

[crobar]

Re: Long or Short shaft

Thanks - Good discussion.